Sir, --- Since an attempt is now being made by the opponents of the Theosophical
Society to discredit the whole movement by circulating the report that the
Mahatmas, or Eastern Adepts, are but crafty arrangements of muslin and
bladders, I ask permission to say a word. I have sacrificed all my worldly
prospects, as is well known in my native city of Calcutta, to devote myself to the
propagation of the esoteric philosophy of my race, in connection with the Society so
unjustly slandered. Needless to say I should not have taken this step, with many
others of my countrymen, if the Theosophical Society were but a sham, and the Mahatmas
vulgar concoctions of muslin and bladders. To a Brahman, like myself, it
is repugnant to speak of the sacredly confidential relationship existing between a
spiritual teacher and his pupil. Yet duty compels me in this instance to say that I
have personal and absolute knowledge of the existence of the Mahatma who has corresponded
with Mr. Sinnett, and is known to the Western world as Koot Hoomi. I had
knowledge of the Mahatma in question before I knew Madame Blavatsky, and I met him in
person when he passed through the Madras Presidency to China last year. --- I am, Sir,
your obedient servant,